Housing Market Trends

From the First American Economic Center

The First American Economic Center has you covered with in-depth analysis and expert insights on the latest data and trends in the industry.

What's the Outlook for Housing Market Potential Amid Rising Mortgage Rates?

By Mark Fleming on June 18, 2018
With the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) decision to increase the Federal Funds Rate last week, the prospect of higher mortgage rates remains top of mind among real estate professionals and continues to generate headlines. Yet, changes to the short-term rate matter little to the housing market. Read More

Housing Interest Rates Federal Reserve

Will First-Time Home Buyer Demand Withstand Rising Rates?

By Mark Fleming on June 12, 2018
Given the strong likelihood of rising mortgage rates in 2018, many savvy real estate market observers are curious how rising rates may impact demand, especially among millennial first-time home buyers. As part of our quarterly First American Real Estate Sentiment Index (RESI), we recently surveyed title insurance agents and real estate ... Read More

Housing Millennials Real Estate Sentiment Index

Quoted on Forbes.com: Rising Rates Can Increase Housing Demand

By FirstAm Editor on June 7, 2018
First American Chief Economist Mark Fleming was quoted Tuesday in a feature article on Forbes.com, explaining how rising rates can increase housing demand. Read More

Housing In The News Interest Rates Millennials Affordability

What Does the Prime-Age Labor Force Participation Rate Mean to Your Paycheck?

By Mark Fleming on June 2, 2018
The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ employment situation report for May signals good news for the housing market, as the unemployment rate hits an 18-year low, and hourly wages continue to increase. Read More

Income Jobs Report

Why the Ability-to-Repay Rules are Like a Steering Wheel Lock

By Mark Fleming on May 30, 2018
In January of 2013, the mortgage industry witnessed the birth of a new income-underwriting era. The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB) published new requirements for mortgage lenders to carefully assess a consumer’s ability to repay their mortgage loan. The new standards were dubbed the “ability-to-repay” rules and were set to take effect ... Read More

Fraud Loan Application Defect Index Income

Unadjusted house prices are higher than ever, but what is the real story?

By Mark Fleming on May 24, 2018
As the home-buying season continues, the inventory of homes for sale remains historically low, while demand is increasing. Not surprisingly, house prices continue to rise. In March, unadjusted house prices increased by 6.4 percent compared with a year ago and they are now 8.7 percent above the housing boom peak for unadjusted house prices reached ... Read More

Real House Price Index Affordability